Microsoft Halts Windows 11 24H2 Update Due to BSOD Issues with WD/SanDisk SSDs

In a surprising twist that reminds us of the age-old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Microsoft has halted the deployment of the Windows 11 24H2 update for select users. The culprit? A barrage of Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) reports from users equipped with specific Western Digital (WD) and SanDisk SSD models. Less than two weeks into its launch, this rollout has encountered quite the hiccup.

A Quick Overview: The Drama Unfolds​

The Windows 11 24H2 update was eagerly anticipated, as it promised a flurry of new features and enhancements. However, it seems that the joy has been overshadowed by technical troubles. Users with specific SSD models reported experiencing BSODs soon after updating. This isn't just a few disgruntled users venting; Microsoft has officially confirmed that certain systems will be blocked from receiving this update until corrective measures have been taken.

BSOD Breakdown​

Reports indicate that the issues arise primarily when these SSDs require a larger host memory buffer—up to 200MB. In contrast, the previous version, Windows 11 23H2, handled these needs with only 64GB. The shift in memory allocation in the 24H2 update led to the dreaded “Critical Process Died” BSOD—an error that is not only irritating but can leave users feeling trapped in a tech nightmare.

Mitigating the Situation​

Fortunately, there is a workaround. Upgrading the firmware for affected SSDs will address the BSOD issue. Sandisk and WD have released updated firmware to tackle these kernel-level shenanigans. Users are advised to download the Western Digital Dashboard tool to facilitate the firmware flashing process. However, a word of caution: Back up your data before proceeding, as flashing firmware can sometimes lead to data loss.

Recognized Models Facing Issues​

Users should note that the following SSDs from WD and SanDisk are officially recognized as experiencing these BSOD issues:

• WD_BLACK SN770 NVMe SSD 2TB
• WD_BLACK SN770M NVMe SSD 2TB
• WD Blue SN580 NVMe SSD 2TB
• WD Blue SN5000 NVMe SSD 2TB
• SanDisk Extreme M.2 NVMe SSD 2TB

So Who's to Blame?​

The source of this dilemma isn't crystal clear. One can argue that either the device manufacturers or Microsoft dropped the ball here. It's worth mentioning that Windows 11 24H2 had been in the Insider program for over a year, yet new firmware updates for these well-known SSDs were still missing. This teeter-tottering between responsibility adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga.

Other Possible Fixes​

For those who might be grappling with other SSD brands and encountering similar BSODs, there’s a registry hack available to disable Host Memory Buffer (HMB) allocation. This can be a temporary lifeline until a more permanent fix is applied.

Conclusion: The Waiting Game Continues​

The excitement surrounding Windows 11 24H2 may soon be overshadowed by the seven existing bugs that have been reported since its release, many of which seem tied to firmware issues that can be resolved once the respective manufacturers roll out their updated drivers. We recommend that users hold off on installing the 24H2 update until these issues are sorted to avoid unnecessary headaches.
Navigating these occasional bumpiness in the tech realm can be frustrating, but it is always best to err on the side of caution. This latest development serves as a reminder that in the world of software updates, patience is often rewarded. As always, stay tuned for the latest fixes and updates—you wouldn't want to be the last to know!
If you’ve encountered the BSOD issue or successfully navigated the update process, share your experiences in the comments below! We're all ears!
Source: Windows Latest After BSOD, Microsoft pulls Windows 11 24H2 for some PCs with SSD (WD, Sandisk)